How Much Does It Cost to Write a Will?

Depending on how you create your will, the cost can vary widely. For example, if you go to an estate planning lawyer, you might pay up to $1,200 just to create your will. However, if you want to make further changes because your circumstances changed, then you will likely have to pay more. The hourly rate of estate planning lawyers is commonly around $350. Historically, consulting a lawyer was the only option.

Why Does It Cost Money To Create a Will?

The creator of a will makes important decisions in the document, including who will get their assets, who the legal guardian of their child(ren) should be, and who should inherit their property. Because these decisions are so important, the writer of the will needs to ensure everything is legitimate and legal. For that reason, many people consult a lawyer, who often receives a high hourly fee for their service. 

Will templates provided by online estate-planning services are created with the purpose of simplifying and guiding the creator. They are also designed to be legal and accurate. Because the templates are easier to access and complete, they are also cheaper than a lawyer. But even the creation of these online templates and tools requires time and expertise and thus the process is rarely free from start to finish. 

Why Is It Important to Have a Will?

Roughly 67% of U.S. adults (140 million people) do not have a will. It may not seem urgent, but if the unthinkable happens to a loved one unexpectedly and they did not create a will, there are no clear directives about their final wishes. In this tragic scenario, the last wishes of a loved one can not be respected or fulfilled, and they will never get to express their last words. Family and friends are left in confusion and often disagree on what the next steps are. 

Here are the key benefits of creating a will:

• Ensures that your possessions, assets, and property will be distributed according to your wishes and that funeral and medical wishes are followed. 
• Allows you to choose an executor you trust to carry out your wishes and a guardian who becomes the legal guardian of your minor children and any pets. 
• Expedites the legal process, making it cheaper and faster for your loved ones.
• Reduces the stress for your family and doesn’t leave them behind with no instructions.

With GoodTrust’s online estate planning service you can easily create a will for yourself or a family member for just $8 a month (includes unlimited edits and downloads). We’re aware of how difficult this might be for some people so we also guide you through the process and simplify the steps. Don’t hesitate, get started today.